Public Comment Opportunity: Navigability of the Yellowstone River in Williams County

Williams County, North Dakota, is seeking public comment on its preliminary findings regarding the navigability of the Yellowstone River. This assessment focuses on the potential for this water body to be used for commerce in its condition as of North Dakota's statehood in 1889. A public hearing is scheduled for July 14, 2026, with a virtual attendance option available. The purpose of this hearing is to gather public input before a final determination on navigability is made. Waterbodies determined to be navigable will be held in trust by the State of North Dakota for its citizens, within the ordinary high water mark. Preliminary documentation for this study is accessible on the Department's website.